This quaint riverside town near white sand beaches was named among Canada's best spots to live
If you're dreaming of a place with quaint streets and scenic riverside views where you're just a short drive from white sand beaches, this charming small town in Canada could be calling your name.
Narcity Canada's Facebook followers were asked to name the best small towns to live in Canada, and a riverside town with tons to do and see was one of their picks.
Tucked along the banks of the LaHave River in Lunenburg County, Bridgewater was named one of the best places to live in Canada. The town is the largest on Nova Scotia's South Shore, offering a rich history, vibrant culture and stunning natural landscape complete with fresh sea air.
According to Explore Bridgewater, the town offers an "exceptional quality of life, a growing economy, and a warm, welcoming community," which makes it a vibrant yet peaceful place to call home.
Dubbed the "Main Street of the South Shore," Bridgewater is a lively little hub with cozy cafes, pubs, and breweries, shops and boutiques, and waterfront trails and parks set along the picturesque river, which runs right through town. In fact, the town's variety of services is second in the province only to Halifax.
The town hosts a number of annual events, including the South Shore Exhibition, Afterglow Art Festival, South Shore in Motion, Canada Day on the LaHave, and Christmas on the LaHave, which provide a taste of living in Lunenburg County.
One of the best parts of Bridgewater is its location. The town is set close to a number of white-sand ocean beaches, including some of Nova Scotia's most renowned spots, as well as the historic LaHave Islands.
Local tours offer guided sea kayak adventures and stand-up paddleboard tours of the islands, allowing you to paddle sheltered inlets and experience gorgeous island beaches, coastal wildlife, and Maritime fishing settlements.
Just 20 minutes away from town, you'll find the gorgeous Crescent Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand with crystal-clear blue water that connects the LaHave Islands to the mainland.
Also, just 20 minutes from Bridgewater is Rissers Beach Provincial Park, the perfect place to swim, search for seashells, or just spend the day relaxing in the sun with a 1-kilometre white sand beach and a boardwalk along an inland marsh.
Within 30 minutes of the town, you'll also find wineries, farms, farmers markets, museums and outdoor recreation. These include spots like the popular Gaff Point Trail, a rugged footpath with unspoiled coastline, steep cliffs and tidal pools, and the Ovens Natural Park, home of Nova Scotia's famous sea caves.
Whether you're looking for a coastal escape or scouting out your next move, this little riverside town is a hidden gem on Nova Scotia’s South Shore.
Bridgewater offers the best of both worlds, with all the charm of small-town living (including picturesque views, friendly neighbours and community events), and the conveniences and opportunities of city living. And if you want more city life, Halifax is just over an hour away.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
